family therapy is systemic approach to psychotherapy with patients and families experiencing medical illness, trauma, or disability. Many families deal with issues around having children with special needs or parents with an illness. Certain issues often arise when a spouse in diagnosed with a serious or chronic illness. Often times, it is difficult to talk about these painful issues with one another. I provide a safe and supportive forum for families to communicate with one another and ultimately live more harmoniously together.
I believe mental health is just as important as physical health. I promote a collaborative care model where psychological and medical providers can work together in the best interest of the client. I can also suggest chiropractic and alternative therapies so that her patients can receive truly integrated care.
I collaborate closely with health care professionals. I have learned that not only does the mind influence the body’s functioning, but the opposite is true as well. There are a variety of conditions in which the body influences the mind in ways that are very significant. It is useful to be aware of how one’s body influences emotional, psychological, and interpersonal functioning.
Sometimes clients underestimate the role that illness may play in their individual and family lives. Illness is a powerful theme in many families and should be assessed as a routine part of therapy. Biological or physical illnesses are often powerful “family members” that shape the life course of families as much as other factors. By inquiring about what illnesses the individual or their family member has had; what their style of coping is; how they make sense of the experiences and who was most/least involved with the person who is ill; we not only gain an understanding of how the family deals with illness but an understanding of how the family may deal with other forms of
adversity as well.
I have a heart and passion working with families impacted by medical illness. The following are some of the areas in which medical family therapy can be helpful to an individual, couple, or family:
adversity as well.
I have a heart and passion working with families impacted by medical illness. The following are some of the areas in which medical family therapy can be helpful to an individual, couple, or family:
- Chronic Illness
- Chronic Pain
- Pediatric Illness
- Terminal Illness
- Chronic Pain/ Fatigue
- Disability
- Caregiving Issues
- “ Well” Siblings – the forgotten population
- Issues arising from Genetic testing
- Professional Consultation for Physicians